Pulse Beat December 2021 by City of Paramount

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PULSE BEAT Paramount Chamber of Commerce (paramountchamber.com) • December 2021

Christmas season returns to Paramount with more public, in-person events The City of Paramount kicked off the yuletide season on December 1 with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, once again an in-person event after being canceled last year due to COVID-19.

Santa Train dates are Monday, Dec. 6, through Thursday, Dec.9, starting at 3 p.m. each day. Find schedule stops at paramountcity.com in the News section. In each neighborhood there is a painted white star marking the spot where the train will visit. Plus, you can track the train in real time on a map on the City’s homepage starting at 3 p.m. each day. Call (562) 220-2121 to learn more.

aramount Park will transform again into a winter wonderland as Mr. Claus returns to town for breakfast on Saturday, December 11, from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. There will be music, raffle prizes, snow sledding, a snow play area for those eight and younger, shopping at Santa’s Village, DIY holiday crafts, and a chance to take a selfie with Santa. The event is free. Breakfast will cost $7 per person at the door on a first-come, first-served basis and will be served in the Gym until 11:00 a.m. If you can’t get enough of the snow sledding in the morning, then head back to Paramount Park and enjoy an additional two hours of chilly fun under the stars from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On December 11 at Paramount Park, snow sledding will be held from 8 a.m. until noon and then again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that same evening!

PULSE BEAT

Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California 90723 Telephone: 562-634-3980 paramountchamber.com

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From the Mayor’s Desk..........................................................................................................................................................................................3 Public Safety: Loud holiday parties..................................................................................................................................................................4 PEP: Help send a Paramount student to college...........................................................................................................................................4 Paramount City Council report..........................................................................................................................................................................5 Seniors Thanksgiving photos..............................................................................................................................................................................6 In Memoriam: Linda Garcia...............................................................................................................................................................................8 Business Corner: Let’s talk about inventory and your cash flow.........................................................................................................12 CityScape..................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Vicky Uisprapassorn

December 2021

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

From the

Mayor’s Desk Desk

Mayor Brenda Olmos

Enjoy this year’s holiday events!

lease see the front page and CityScape on page 13 for a full rundown of all the fun family events being provided by the City of Paramount. The City Council and City Staff wish all our Paramount families and residents a most joyous holiday season!

Holiday schedules

hristmas and New Year’s Day will alter street sweeping schedules this season. For Christmas, there will be no street sweeping on Thursday, December 23, or Friday, December 24, and no makeup days. Trash pick-up will remain on its regular schedule. For New Year’s Day, there will be no street sweeping on Friday, December 31, and no makeup. Trash pick-up will remain on its regular schedule. Also, City Hall and the City Yard will be closed on December 23 and 24 and on December 31. The Paramount Sheriff ’s Station will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those days.

Clutter-Free Paramount

ust a heads up that you can clear out your post-holiday clutter at the City’s next Clutter-Free Paramount community-wide cleanup event on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Paramount Park. Bring the following things for free disposal: large bulky items, e-waste, green waste, documents for shredding, and old tires (though not oversized or from businesses). Please do not bring paint, hazardous waste, light bulbs, liquids, auto parts, construction or demolition debris, lumber, palm fronds, cactus, ice plant, ivy, or anything in plastic bags. This event is for Paramount residents only. You must present a valid ID with a Paramount or 90723 address. Special thanks to CalMet Services for providing containers, drop-off/ pick-up, and disposal at no cost and to World Energy and Homeboy Industries for the e-waste containers. Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.

Funding for Home Energy Costs

ur 40th District U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard is pleased to announce that funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is available for income-qualifying families to pay home energy heating and cooling costs, cover unpaid utility bills, and make cost-effective home energy repairs. Local families who need help in this way should contact the California Department of Community Services and Development at 1-866-675-6623 or visit csd.ca.gov/ to check eligibility and learn more about how to receive assistance.

Boosters for all adults

he State of California has now recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for everyone age 18 and older. Boosters serve as “reminder” doses that refresh your immunity to COVID and are needed since studies have shown that the effectiveness of the COVID vaccines diminish a bit over time. To learn more or find a provider near you, visit VaccinateLACounty. fter the holidays, Paramount residents who have Christmas trees can com. To make an appointment, visit myturn.ca.gov/. place them out at curbside for pick-up. The trees will be recycled into mulch. CalMet, the City’s refuse hauler, will gather the trees at no charge after Christmas from December 27, 2021, through January 14, 2022, for singlehLos Angeles County and partner agencies are available to answer family residential accounts. Remove the stand and all the decorations, questions regarding the expiration of the eviction moratorium and lights and tinsel, and do not wrap the tree or enclose it in a plastic bag. If offer mediation and resource referral services. the tree is four-feet-tall or less, you can put it in your green waste recycling barrel. For anything larger, just set it curbside on your normal garbage Help is available in multiple languages including: Spanish, Korean, collection day by 6 a.m. Flocked trees will also be picked up. Mandarin, and Armenian. After January 14, 2022, your tree can still be taken away by scheduling a For more information and resources, call the toll free Eviction bulky item pick-up. Mediation Assistance Helpline at (833) 972-0999. For apartments or condominiums, trees on the curb by 6 a.m. during the stated dates will be taken away for free on regular pick-up days. If it’s necessary to drive onto the property, there will be a $5 charge per tree and it must be ordered 24 hours before the regular pick-up day by the manager or owner who must have the account number for verification. Also, commercial customers must call CalMet before placing a tree out for collection so that a green waste truck can visit their location. If you have any questions, please call CalMet (562) 259-1239

Recycle your Christmas tree

Eviction questions?

Best wishes for the holidays

from the Paramount Chamber

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Public Safety

Paramount Education Partnership

PEP Talk Help a Paramount student go to college

You can report loud holiday parties anonymously

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he Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) began in 2004 by gathering input from a range of community members to find out what kind of organization would best serve their needs. PEP’s many achievements include opening Community Learning Resource Centers that provide students and adults with computer access, homework help, and a variety of other classes and programs. PEP has also created mentorship programs for young people and general outreach efforts to promote the importance of advanced education. Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of PEP has been awarding college scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of the local business community, nearly $1.4 million has been given to students attending a university, community college, or technical school for a total of 451 scholarships. For some of these students, the scholarships have made the difference in whether or not they could continue their education. All donations are made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity and are tax-deductible. Donating to the fund also offers ways to promote your business or organization to the community at large. If you are interested in contributing through sponsorships or other donations, please call (562) 220-2121. You can view short videos about the program on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/cityofparamount in the playlist titled Paramount Education Partnership.

PRR OPEN (Call for holiday hours.)

PUBLIC DISPOSAL SITE IN PARAMOUNT Monday-Friday........6 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday....................6 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday........................8 a.m.-3 p.m.

All types of non-hazardous waste materials accepted

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CLEAN FLAT QUICK EXITS Paramount Resource Recycling 7230 Petterson Lane Paramount, California

562-602-6505

f holiday gatherings get a little too loud, creating a nuisance for the neighbors, you can lodge a complaint. Paramount has a special patrol unit that responds to resident complaints of this kind. If a call for disturbing the peace comes into the Sheriff ’s Station, there will be a visit to the location and a first-warning notice will be issued. If a return visit is made, the responsible party (property owner, tenant, etc.) will be issued a citation and fine. A second visit within 30 days will produce a fine of $250. The third, fourth, and fifth visits within 30 days of the first call entail fines of $500, $750 and $1,000, respectively. In addition, the cost of extra resources involved (multiple deputies, helicopter, and so on) can also be assessed. If such disturbances come from the same location over an extended period of time, deputies will focus on solving the problem with those who are causing it. Keep in mind that deputies do not divulge the identity of any residents making complaints, so you can call in anonymously. For more information, call the Paramount Sheriff ’s Station at (562) 220-2002.

Make online exchanges at the Paramount Sheriff ’s Station A reminder that if you are selling or buying items through an online site or phone app, make the exchange at the Safe Internet Purchase Exchange Zone at the Paramount Sheriff ’s Station. There is a designated parking space in the public parking lot open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on holidays. Deputies do not validate the transactions, but the space is directly in front of the station and located in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras in place, making these exchanges safer for residents. The Station is located at 15001 Paramount Blvd. Call (562) 220-2002 if you have any questions.

Vacation home checks available from Sheriff ’s Station Going out of town during the holidays? If you’re a Paramount resident, contact the Sheriff ’s Station for a vacation home check. The City’s Public Safety Officers will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. This free service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays. It is best to provide the Station with at least two weeks’ notice before you leave. Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

American Legion Commander leads Pledge

City Council Mayor’s Award of Excellence to Tony Manos

uan Gonzalez, commander of the Paramount American Legion Post #134, led the Pledge of Allegiance at the November 2 Paramount City Council meeting in honor of Veterans Day. The American Legion is the country’s largest veterans service organization. The Post is located at 7550 Somerset and meetings for members are held the second Tuesday of each month. From left: Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Brenda Olmos, Gonzalez, Councilmember Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.

t the November 2 Paramount City Council meeting, the Mayor’s Award of Excellence was given to Tony Manos of Domino’s Pizza for his lengthy and ongoing support of the community. Tony started working with Domino’s in 1987 earning minimum wage as a pizza maker. By 1990, he owned his first franchise, opened the Paramount store in 1995, and located the main office for all of his franchises here in 1999. Today, he has 82 Domino’s in California, Illinois, and South Carolina. Tony has served on the Board of Directors of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for the past seven years. He is a major financial sponsor for the Paramount Education Partnership’s college scholarship program and has donated thousands of pizzas for numerous community events. On a regular basis he donates pizzas to PUSD so that student clubs and youth groups can sell them to help fund their activities. And he gives to homeless shelters and church groups. “Tony has described Paramount as a diverse jewel with a giving heart, and the more he has gotten involved and given, the more he has received and grown,” said Mayor Brenda Olmos during the meeting. “For his generosity and support, I am pleased to honor Tony Manos with the Award of Excellence.” From left: Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Manos, Mayor Brenda Olmos, Councilmember Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.

National Home Care and Hospice Month

ovember was proclaimed as National Home Care and Hospice Month by the Paramount City Council at its November 2 meeting. The observance is designed to salute the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who do so much for the patients and families they help. In Paramount, Pathways Volunteer Hospice has been providing compassionate care and services since 1985 to families living with illness and loss. Their programs include volunteer caregiving for the frail-elderly and chronically ill, hospice care for patients and their families experiencing terminal illness, and bereavement counseling and support for children, adults, and families in grief. All of this is at no cost. Accepting the City’s proclamation were Cindy Skovgard, Pathways’ Executive Director, and Vickie Kaefer, the Associate Executive Director. Visit pathwayshospice.org to learn more. From left: Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Skovgard, Mayor Brenda Olmos, Kaefer, Councilmember Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.

National Tobacco Awareness Month

he Paramount City Council proclaimed November as National Tobacco Awareness Month at its November 2 meeting. The month focuses on issues related to this health hazard. For instance, smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. No matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term. Alicia Tamayac Herrera, program coordinator of Tobacco Control and Prevention for the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, accepted the proclamation. The Foundation has been actively conducting virtual workshops and distributing anti-smoking educational newsletters to the Paramount community. From left: Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Herrera, Mayor Brenda Olmos, Councilmember Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

his year’s Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon returned to being an inperson event on Thursday, November 18, at the Paramount Park Gym. It was a well-attended, lively celebration, as these photos show. The City Council sincerely thanks all Paramount businesses, organizations and individuals who sponsored the event, made donations and volunteered their time to help make the luncheon such a success.

December 2021

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Meet the care team in your community.

Hassan Riaz, MD

Mohammad Riaz, MD

General medicine

Phone: 1-562-531-7790, TTY 711

16444 Paramount Blvd., Ste. 103 Paramount, CA 90723

Help begins with a phone call. Does your insurance plan fit your health needs and budget? If you have questions, we're here to help. Kimberly Jimenez is a licensed insurance agent in your area. She'll explain the benefits of Medicare Advantage, review your options1 and help you choose a plan that's right for you. • •

Medicare benefits Medicare Advantage plans

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Medicare Part D prescription drug plans Medicare supplemental insurance

Call today to review your Medicare options over the phone, safely in person, or virtually.

Kimberly Jimenez Licensed Insurance Agent | License #0I10032 | 1-310-863-7387,2 TTY 711

There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

Calling this number will direct you to a licensed insurance agent.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Holiday Mixer Linda Garcia I N

Prizes! Music! Karoke! Food! It was the Paramount Chamber’s Holiday

M E M O R I A M

September 29, 1950 - November 27, 2021

Mixer, once more an in-person event. Held on December 3 at Progress Park Plaza, it was a well-attended, festive event. Thank you to our sponsor World Energy Paramount and to the restaurants who donated all the food for the night.: Alondra’s, Antojitos Mexicanos Restaurant, Café Corleone, Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant, Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant, Delfin Seafood Market & Grill, Domino’s Pizza, DoublZ Burgers, El Compa Restaurant, Gus’ BBQ & Grill, Northgate Market and Subway. Raffle prizes were donated by 3G Investments, Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant, Vice Mayor Cuellar-Stallings, Transcom Telecommunications, 261 Fearless Club Los Angeles, Advocates for Family Unity, Mind Aligned: Self-care for Leaders & Professionals, Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, Paramount Tepic Sister Cities, Arte Jimenez Studio, CalMet Services and Farmers Insurance: Wolff Agency. Volunteer Chamber Ambassadors who helped everything run smoothly: Luis Baez, Palacious Funeral Homes: set up and music; Margaret Alarcon, PUSD: set up; Tim Hickok, Penta Pacific Properties: pick up food and raffles; Dan Ursery, On the Mark Advertising: pick up food; Dr. Linda Timmons, Advocates for Family Unity: games; and Tony Warfield, Syncis: pick up food.

inda Garcia, school board trustee and member of the Paramount Unified School District and a very active member of the local community for many years, passed away peacefully on November 27 with her children Lisa, Marcie and Frank and other family members at her bedside. She was 71. She was preceded in death by her sister Marty (2019) and her mother Esther (2020). She was elected to Paramount Unified School District School Board in 1999 and continue to serve nearly five terms of office. As a lifelong Paramount native, she served her community as a true public servant. She believed in every child and ensured that each student of Paramount USD had the tools to receive the best education. She once said: “Reading empowers our young learners to dream and set new goals for themselves, and we inspire each student’s imagination as we reinforce that there are no limits to what they can achieve.” Active in numerous local civic and service organizations, including volunteering at Our Lady of the Rosary School/Church and a member of the Paramount Elk’s, Paramount Women’s Club and initiated Paramount’s Cancer Relay for Life. She lived an inspirational life in public service, always asking: “How can I help?”. One of her passions was the Sister Cities program. She welcomed several delegations from Tepic, Mexico, to her hometown here in Paramount of which she was so proud. She was a strong supporter of the student exchange program in the early days of Tepic programs. Mrs. Garcia led efforts in establishing a communitywide event called Children’s Day held every spring for the past five years. Frank Barraza, President of Tepic Sister Cities, said: “ Linda was an extraordinary women, beating all the odds, and had a golden heart.” Despite her hectic schedule, family and friends and her community were Linda’s passion and delight. A devoted Catholic, she was from one of the early families that founded Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She served as secretary for the Los Angeles Archdiocese PTA Board in the past. Her services will be held Monday, December 13, at Paramount Mortuary 13843 Paramount Blvd. from 5-8 p.m., with a viewing and rosary prayer. Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 14, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church14815 Paramount Blvd. at 10 a.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow the mass at Progress Park Plaza,15500 Downey Ave at 11:30 a.m. All services are open to the community. Memorial donations can be made to Marcie Bridges in C/O Linda Garcia Go Fund Me Page.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Paramount Chamber of Commerce

member-to-member discounts As a Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to Paramount Chamber members! Attorney & Legal Services

Hotels & Motels

Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353): 15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.

Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”

Automotive Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset. Beauty Marali Beauty Salon (562-964-1126): Free haircut & treatment with purchase of any chemicals.

Insurance 2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% off new business. Medical Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount. Plumbing & Heating Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material.

Delfin Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% off any order. El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases. Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% off all food purchases. Mariscos Alas (562-633-1348): 10% Chamber member discount. 15% discount for law enforcement & City employees. Mariscos El Perihuete (562-408-1661): 10% off on food purchases over $10.

Production (Events)

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services).

YSL Production (323-490-6315): 20% any event services: Sound, lighting, stage, LED video, wall & truss equipment.

Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).

Contractors

Printers

El Sinaloense Restaurant (562-363-3011): 10% off on food purchases.

Communications

Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment. Financial Services SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees. Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service. Flowers Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons.

Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount on all printing. Real Estate GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Ask for Matt. Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties. Restaurants Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Funeral Services

Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% off (may not be combined with other specials).

Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% off services.

Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.

Pulse Beat available only online until further notice In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce has decided to suspend hard-copy printing and distribution of the Paramount Pulse Beat until further notice. However, the full text of each new Pulse Beat will be available online each month on the Paramount Chamber of Commerce website at paramountchamber.com. If you would like to have a printed copy of the Pulse Beat, contact us and we can mail it to you, or you can pick it up at the Chamber office. If you have questions, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 562-634-3980. We at the Chamber thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times for our community, and we will keep you informed about our future plans for the publication.

Roofing One Coat Roof Seal LLC (833-232-8121): 20% off each can. Wellness & Health Enagic (562-833-3823): Free ionized alkaline water. Wholesalers & Distributors Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures).

To add your business to this section, please call the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for information:

562-634-3980

PULSE BEAT A monthly publication of the

Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, CA 90273 562-634-3980 • Fax: 562-634-0891 paramountchamber.com Executive Director: Barbara Crowson Executive Assistant: Dora Sanchez

Distributed to and read by more than 20,000 residents and business owners in Paramount. Layout & design: Danmark Associates Copyright 2021 by Paramount Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Pulse Beat and Paramount Chamber of Commerce are not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings made herein or responsible for product availability that may be advertised.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Run your card for as little as $31 per month. Call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

December 2021

B U S I N E S S

C A R D

DIRECTORY

General Dentistry General Dentistry Hablamos Español Hablamos Español

Max B. Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD Max B.un Martinez Chia-l tsao, DDS

ERALD’S GARAGE

Complete Automotive Repair FormCollision Center & Body Shop 95

City directory - Proof Paramount Chamber of Commerce DDS, FAGD, FACD For the maximum touchdirectory of care City -29 ProofSmog Form Check Paramount Chamber of Commerce Chia-Lun Tsao General Contactor (License # 506020) Total-Western, Inc.

Dedicated people focused on customer expectations

8049 Somerset Blvd. Paramount, CA 90723

Call: 562-220-1450 total-western.com

Sammy T Kotob Insurance Agency 147 S Beach Blvd La Habra, CA 90631 CA License 0L68077

Plus Certificate & ETF

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723Foreign & Domestic • Autos & Trucks • Complete Engine DDS Check Engine Light • A/C • Electronic • Transmission Rebuilding Phone: 562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

cmh

Suspension • Brake Service • Specializing in Fleet Service

Fernando Kim: likeautobody@gmail.com 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-633-2136

CA Lic. #731172

Joseph Keays Vice President

Clínica Médica Hispana

Cell: 714-932-9656 Fax: 562-691-9113

866-204-4068 • 562-861-1234 11829 Downey Ave., Downey, Ca 90241 • joe@downeyplumbing.com

skotob@farmersagent.com • 562-691-9100

Sanchez Professional Services

Income Tax, Real Estate & Immigration Services

Peticiones Familiares • Residencia Cuidadania • Permisos de Trabajo Veronica Sanchez

7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 201A Paramount, California 90723 562-372-1382 • 562-633-6588

FENICO

PRECISION CASTINGS

562-634-5000 • 800-634-5000

Madame 57 Years In57Business Years In Business

Pompador

13516 13516Paramount ParamountBlvd. Blvd.

We Llve Animals We Llve Animals

Dog CatCatGrooming • Dog&and Grooming •

WARD PROPERTIES

(CornerofofParamount ParamountBlvd. Blvd.&& 105 105 Freeway) (Corner Freeway) 13516 Paramount Blvd. Local Pick-Up and Delivery • Dog and Cat Grooming 16311•Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723 www.madamepompador.com Local Pick-up & Delivery madamepompador.com (Corner of Paramount Blvd. & 105 Freeway)

All Breeds and SizesPick-Up and Delivery Local (562) 408-6145 Rose C. Towe All Breeds and Sizes (562) 408-6145 (562) 408-6145 All Breeds & Sizes 562.633.2300 • Fax: 562.633.2345 www.madamepompador.com

wardprop.com • Rose@wardprop.com

PARAMOUNT

Chamber of Commerce Barbara Crowson, Executive Director

fenicocastings.com • stran@fenicoinc.com

Please check off15357 the below listedBlvd. items• carefully, and fax to 562-634-0891 Paramount Paramount,sign CA 90723 ❏ Company Name ❏ Phone ❏ Approved ❏ Company Name ❏ Phone ❏ Approved ❏ Approved with Changes ❏ Logo ❏ Fax ❏ Approved with Changes ❏ Logo ❏ Fax ❏ Second Proof Required with Changes ❏ Second Proof Required with Changes ❏ Address ❏ Spelling Signature Required __________________________ ❏ Address ❏ Spelling Signature Required __________________________

7805 Madison St., Paramount, CAPlease 90723-4220 check off the below listed items carefully, sign and fax to 562-634-0891 paramountchamber.com • 562-634-0891

Contact: Brad Pollak

Trusted janitorial services for nearly 60 years • Complete janitorial services • Post-construction cleanup • Safe, effective disinfecting services

Small Business Development Center

CLEANTIME

4900 E. Conant St., Bldg. O-2, Suite 108 Long Beach, California 90808

562-421-2010

562-938-5100 longbeachsbdc.org

Building Maintenance Co.

3450 E. Spring St., Ste.101 • Long Beach, CA 90806

cleantimejanitorialservices.com

The pandemic has really taken a toll on many of our local Paramount businesses—which is why it’s so important that you do your 2021 holiday shopping and dining in our City during this special season. By spending in Paramount, you’ll not only be helping our local economy to recover, you’ll also be supporting the very life of our City. That’s because local businesses support local events, charities and sports teams 250% more than big corporations do. So please give Paramount businesses the gift of your patronage this holiday season!

Image: Adobe Stock.

By CheCkiNg the ABove LiSted itemS, heLPS uS to eNSuRe No eRRoRS ARe mAde. By CheCkiNg the ABove LiSted itemS, heLPS uS to eNSuRe No eRRoRS ARe mAde.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

EMPLOYMENT

Adobe Stock image

Membership RENEWALS We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible. Paramount Resource Recycling..................................31 years 7230 E. Peterson Ln., Paramount CA 90723

Paramount Elks Lodge BPOE #1804...........................26 years 8108 Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

Bianchi Paramount Theatres.........................................23 years 7770 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount CA 90723

Herald’s Garage.........................................................22 years 8124 Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

P. T. M. Inc.................................................................21 years 7801 Somerset Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

Victor Starow Holdings, Inc.......................................17 years 22912 Via Orvieto., Monarch Beach CA 92629

Colors Printing..........................................................12 years 6838 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount CA 90723

United Steel Workers IUPIW-Local 1945...................10 years 8131 E. Rosecrans Ave., Paramount CA 90723

Farmers & Merchants Bank.........................................8 years 1695 Adlofo Lopez Dr., Seal Beach CA 90240

California Testing & Inspections...................................5 years 15957 Vermont Ave., Paramount CA 90723

New York Life – Adam Kotob..........................................4 years 801 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale CA 91203

Universal Sales Compania...........................................4 years 8019 Putrina St., Downey CA 90242

Golden State Water Company......................................3 years 7105-D Eastern Ave., Bell Gardens CA 90201

Enagic.........................................................................3 years 18540 Belshire Blvd., Artesia CA 90701

Tony’s Towing ..............................................................2 years 7759 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

Aji Verde Peruvian Restaurant .......................................2 years 8527 Ste 150 Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

AFLAC (Tiffany Ross)..................................................2 years 13947 Paramount Blvd., Paramount CA 90723

Harder Mechanical Contractors, Inc............................2 years 2148 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Portland OR 97212

OPPORTUNITIES EPOXY COATING LABORER—Long-term, full-time (40+ hours per week). Will train. Install various flooring systems for commercial and industrial projects. Perform tasks involving physical labor; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods. Operate equipment (as instructed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. WAREHOUSE MAINTENANCE WORKER—Longterm, part-time (20 to 25 hours per week). Will train. Staging equipment and materials for daily projects. Receive and process warehouse stock products. Maintain inventory. Operate and maintain warehouse vehicles and equipment. Run errands (as needed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN—Full-time. Experience helpful, but willing to consider an excellent new graduate who can learn quickly. Call Martha at Fobi Pharmacy: 562-630-5700. BARTENDER—Part-time, including evenings and weekends. Call Leroy: 562-634-9001. SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES—SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for first, second and third shifts: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forklift drivers, production line, and order pulling. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy! Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@ skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, California 90723. STATE FARM AGENT—State Farm Agents help their customers protect what’s important to them, all the while making time to give back to their neighborhoods. Improve your career! Call David Maciel: 562-305-2111. FULL-TIME SEAMSTRESS—5-Star Interior Services, Inc., needs a full-time seamstress with drapery-making experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518. CREW WORKER—Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxy coatings, including preparation of concrete floors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Garfield Ave., Paramount, California 90723; M-Th 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. CLEANING SERVICE JOB (Persona para limpiesa)— A&R Cleaning Multiservices. Please contact Yolanda Monday-Friday at 562-500-2284. To place an ad, call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

BUSINESS CORNER

December 2021

[This article originally appeared on www.sba.thehartford.com September 6, 2021]

Let’s talk about inventory and your cash flow

By Gene Marks, CPA, President, the Marks Group PC (gene@marksgroup.net)

he more inventory you have, the less cash you will have. It’s as simple as that. Inventory is the biggest drain on a company’s cash flow. My typical client—depending on their industry—has anywhere from 20 to 40 percent of their working capital tied up in inventory. That’s a lot. But it’s certainly avoidable. Your working capital ratio (cash, receivables and inventory compared to accounts payable) should be at least 1:1, and really, twice that if you want to be in good shape. Your inventory can have a positive influence on this ratio, but only—and I mean only—if it can be quickly converted to cash. Otherwise, it’s considered a drain. Inventory is designed to be sold. It needs to turn. How often should your inventory “turn” to generate cash? That also depends on your industry. In most manufacturing and distribution businesses, inventory turns about two to four times a year. In retail, it can be as much as 10 times. To calculate turn, take the average of your beginning and ending inventory at the beginning and end of a period and divide it by your cost of sales. All of this impacts cash, and the best way to maximize your cash is to minimize your inventory. Here’s how. First, count it and count it frequently.

Take a full physical and make sure you know what you have. Update your inventory software so that it’s tracking the ins and outs of inventory every day (it’s called a perpetual inventory system). Then apply the 20/80 rule, which generally means 20 percent of your inventory is generating 80 percent of your sales, and make sure you continue to count that 20 percent of inventory daily or weekly. That’s called cycle counting, and it’s critical to make sure you’re on top of your quantities. Next, age your inventory and get rid of the old stuff. I consider something old when it’s been sitting there more than a year, but you may have a different definition depending on your business. Old inventory also drains cash. It takes up too much space. It absorbs overhead. It can be a safety and workflow issue. Remove it, and you can get a tax write-off. Plus, you’ll clear up room to store better inventory that you can sell and generate more cash. Invest in technology. You think Amazon, Toyota and all the other corporate manufacturers and distributors invest in new technology for fun? No, they’re doing it for profit, and my smartest clients are imitating them. Thanks to recent developments in RFID (Radio Frequency ID) and GPS technologies (which have also become much more affordable), many smaller companies are learning that by spending a few dollars to tag every item in their location, they can immediately know what they have on hand and where it is with no physical count required. Think about the savings. They’re also investing in autonomous vehicles to carry materials, drones that can view and even carry items to higher places, IoT (internet of things) sensors to monitor the performance of machines, and robotic arms that are helping with stacking, storing, assembling and packaging materials. They’re also buying augmented reality wearable devices to guide workers and provide real-time views of jobs and materials. Finally, spend time forecasting. Just-in-time manufacturing is quickly becoming a relic thanks to the lessons we’re learning from the current supply chain crisis, the biggest being that the supply chain isn’t as reliable as we think. That’s why my smartest clients are building safety stocks and

creating re-order points for their critical supplies inside their inventory management systems, complete with notifications and automatic purchase ordering when amounts are triggered. They’re looking at material resource planning (MRP) technologies that can help forecast inventory needs based on projected sales. They’re digging into backlogs, open orders, prior histories and salespersons’ input to guesstimate sales over three- to four-month periods of time. People who run businesses successfully avoid surprises. They do their best to predict the future and know what their inventory will be. They plan accordingly. As a result, they have closer-to-optimal (no one’s perfect) levels of inventory. Which means they have less cash wrapped up in their storage. Which means they have more cash in their bank. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Welcome New Members! SELACO

Specializing in career solutions for job seekers to gain the skills necessary to secure long term employment. (800) 481-6555

Lunar Cow Publishing

Graphics, Connecting Online and Printed Formats (800) 594-9620

There is a high demand for blood in hospitals in part because of deferred care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to these blood shortages, some hospitals are being forced to delay elective surgeries. Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling toll-free 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross will be very grateful for your help. All blood types are needed!

Image: Pixabay

Severe U.S. blood shortage!

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

December 2021

Families grow healthy with WIC! Familias crecen sanas con WIC! WIC is a nutrition program for women, infants and children. WIC es un programa de nutricion para mujeres, bebes y niños. South Los Angeles Health Projects WIC Program

You may qualify if you:

WIC provides:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby • Have a child under age 5 • Have a low to medium income* • Receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits • Live in California

• Nutrition education and health information • Breastfeeding support • Food benefits • Referrals to medical providers and community services

Usted puede calificar si:

• Educación sobre nutrición e información de salud • Apoyo con la lactancia • Beneficios de comida • Referencias a proveedores de servicios medicos y servicios

• Está embarazada, está dando pecho o acaba de tener un bebe • Tiene un niño menor de 5 años • Tiene un ingreso bajo a mediano • Recibe beneficios de Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) o CalFresh (Estampillas de Comida) • Vive en California

WIC proporciona:

*Income levels change annually. Niveles de ingreso cambian anualmente. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Está institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

310-661-3080

Call WIC today to see if you qualify. Llama a WIC hoy para ver si calificas.

@WICSouthLosAngeles • wicforyou.org